As a genderqueer man, my journey through life has been complex and multifaceted, shaped by constant negotiation of identity, societal expectations, and personal authenticity. Being genderqueer means existing outside of the traditional binary understanding of gender as strictly male or female. It means embracing a fluidity and diversity of gender expression that defies conventional norms.… Read More It’s OK to Say Genderqueer
I can think of younger days when living for my lifeWas everything a man could want to doI could never see tomorrowI was never told about the sorrow And how can you mend a broken heart?How can you stop the rain from falling down?Tell me, how can you stop the sun from shining?What makes the… Read More How Can You Mend a Broken Heart
As society continues to grapple with issues of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, we must strive to create more inclusive and affirming spaces where individuals feel safe to embrace their authentic selves without fear of judgment or reprisal. By fostering greater understanding, empathy, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, we can work towards a future where all… Read More My Choice
The town of Grand Island was a patchwork quilt of narrow minds and rigid expectations, and I, like an unruly thread, never quite fit into the carefully stitched fabric of society. From the moment I could grasp the concept of identity, I knew I was different. It wasn’t a choice; it was an intrinsic part… Read More A Small-Town Boy
In a cozy home surrounded by a pool and palm trees, lived a grandfather. With silver hair and a heart full of love, he eagerly awaited the special moments when his young grandchildren, Oliver, Emma, and Eloise, would visit. On one lazy Saturday afternoon, the air was filled with the promise of joy as the… Read More One Perfect Saturday
Photography is a powerful medium that allows us to freeze moments in time, preserving emotions, stories, and the essence of life. Among the various styles of photography, black and white photography stands out for its ability to capture a subject’s soul in a unique and timeless manner. When I want to relax and get lost… Read More A Timeless Elegance
Recently, the state of Florida has become the focal point of a controversial legislative proposal known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. This bill, officially titled the Parental Rights in Education Bill, has ignited a heated debate nationwide. While proponents argue that it aims to protect parental rights, critics contend that it is a cruel… Read More The Cruelty of “Don’t Say Gay”
The landscape of organized religion has evolved, necessitating a thorough examination of the contemporary disinterest in the church. Despite its enduring traditions and moral teachings, the pre-pandemic church faced substantial criticism for falling short of fully embodying the essence of the Gospel. This critique sheds light on the factors contributing to the waning interest in… Read More Unfulfilled Gospel and Contemporary Disinterest
Growing up within an evangelical faith, I found solace in community, moral guidance, and the comforting embrace of shared beliefs. However, as I matured, I couldn’t ignore the dissonance that arose within me, particularly regarding the evangelical community’s stance on the LGBTQ+ community. Exploring my journey of questioning ingrained beliefs and confronting the disheartening aspect… Read More Wrestling with Faith
Well, of course, I have the right to pursue happiness as per the Constitution. The idea that individuals have the right to seek happiness is often considered a fundamental human right. Different cultures, philosophical traditions, and legal systems recognize the importance of personal well-being and the pursuit of happiness. However, it’s important to note that… Read More Do I have a right to be happy?
The echoes of my past linger in the recesses of my mind, a haunting reminder of a childhood marked by unspeakable trauma. As a survivor of childhood abuse (I was raped by two young men when I was 10), the weight of my experiences is magnified when the news headlines scream with accounts of similar… Read More Silent Echoes
Perhaps it’s due to the new year, but I find myself grappling with fundamental questions that transcend the mundane aspects of daily life. The quest for self-discovery leads me to ponder the nature of my true identity, my greater purpose, the optimal way to live my life, and the enigma of death. So, existential questions… Read More Exploring the Depths of Self
made in the image 